Natural disasters are commonly referred to as acts of God. These unpredictable situations can cause a lot of damage to people’s lives, whether by destroying their possessions or even endangering their lives.

Unfortunately, there is no way to stop natural disasters. One can take measures to prepare and protect yourself but this does not mean that you won’t be affected by them. However, one thing can be controlled when it comes to these unpredictable situations, and this is having an insurance plan that covers acts of God.

The Definition of Act of God Insurance

Act of God insurance is insurance that covers one’s possessions in the event of a natural disaster. However, it does get a little complicated. For an incident to be accepted under this type of insurance claim it will have to be 100% caused by nature. The type of natural disaster will also have to be included in the insurance policy.

An example of an act of God situation that can be claimed from an insurance company would include a house that has been damaged as a result of a wildfire. But if a house was damaged by a fire caused by an appliance left on, like a hair straightener, this will not be covered by act of God insurance.

Insurance companies are very specific when it comes to acts of God insurance claims. This is why it is important to know exactly what is covered by this type of insurance plan, as well as the terms and conditions of the plan.

What is Considered an Act of God in South Africa

In South Africa, insurance providers usually refer to acts of God insurance as natural disaster insurance or acts of nature insurance. The insurance provider will specify the natural disasters that are covered in their policies.

Acts of God events may include:

• Hail
• Floods
• Strong winds
• Wildfires
• Lightning strikes
• Tornadoes
• Earthquakes
• Landslides
• Volcanoes

Does Insurance Cover Acts of God in South Africa

South African insurance providers have plans that cover a few natural disasters but not all. If your insurance plan does not cover certain common natural disasters in your area, it is advisable to include an act of God clause.

The two main insurance plans are comprehensive homeowner insurance and comprehensive auto insurance. But how much coverage do these plans have against acts of nature?

Comprehensive Homeowner Insurance

Most comprehensive homeowner insurance covers destruction or damage of the household’s interior or exterior and the loss of any possessions of the home. The house’s exterior may include the building itself, the fencing, and the garage. The interior will consist of the possessions in the home. However, the policy should specify expensive belongings.

Typically, South African comprehensive homeowner insurance plans cover natural disasters like hail, lightning, fires, earthquakes, and thunderstorms. This means certain natural disasters may not be covered by comprehensive homeowner insurance plans.

Homeowners may decide to take out additional policies to cover their homes from specific natural disasters. However, it will mean that the insurance rates will go up. This is why it is important to find insurance that covers everything you need. However, if the plan you have chosen does not cover a natural disaster that you are concerned about, you can take out an additional policy.

Comprehensive Auto Insurance

Are cars protected by insurance covers in the event of natural disasters? Yes, most comprehensive auto insurance covers theft, hijacking, damage caused by accidents, and damage caused by natural disasters.

While this is a relief for car owners, it is only the case for comprehensive auto insurance. Other car insurance plans may not include damage caused by natural disasters. A comprehensive plan is usually the most expensive option, but it may be worth it because the vehicle is fully covered even in the event of an unpredictable situation.

Risk of Not Having Act of Nature Insurance

Acts of nature insurance plans are usually the more expensive when compared to other plans offered by insurance providers. This is one of the reasons why some homeowners and vehicle owners choose not to have a comprehensive plan.

However, the damage caused by natural disasters on a home or a vehicle will be much more expensive than the plan. Being covered by an insurance provider in the event of a natural disaster gives you peace of mind.

In a natural disaster, other unexpected payments will need to be covered. Having your property or vehicle fully protected by an insurance provider will be a relief during a difficult time.

3 Tips for Claiming Acts of God Insurance

Submitting an insurance claim can be overwhelming, especially after an event like a natural disaster. But it is important to include everything requested by the insurance provider to make sure that the claim is approved. These tips may be helpful when filling out an act of nature insurance claim:

1.    Be Completely Transparent

When submitting an insurance claim, it is important to be completely honest about the details of the event. Do not change any details of the event because you may feel it could benefit you and get more out of the insurance provider. This is risky and could be one of the reasons the claim will not be approved.

2.    Include Pictures When Submitting a Claim

Having evidence is very important and helpful for a claim to be approved when it comes to insurance. This is why attaching pictures of the event, and damaged possessions are recommended when submitting a claim.

3.    Read Over the Application Before Submitting it

Attention to detail is vital when submitting an insurance claim. Make sure all the information on the application is correct. This will also help the claim be processed faster, meaning that the damage can be fixed sooner.

Final Thought on Acts of God Insurance

Insurance companies provide their customers with the peace of mind that their home or car will be covered in the event of an unforeseen act of God. While nobody can be fully prepared for a natural disaster, there is comfort in having control over the protection of your possessions. So make sure to choose an insurance policy that protects you in this unpredictable situation.